U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS—During Monday’s weekly press briefing, Government House Communications Director Richard Motta Jr. shared several key updates, accompanied by Shamari Haynes, Deputy Commissioner of the Virgin Islands Department of Tourism, and St. Croix Chief of Police Sean Santos from the Virgin Islands Police Department.
Crucian Christmas Festival Highlights
Deputy Commissioner Haynes provided an exciting preview of the 2024-2025 Crucian Christmas Festival, set to begin on December 26, 2024, and continue through January 4, 2025. The festival will offer various events, including parades, cultural celebrations, and competitions. Community members are encouraged to participate and actively show their support for the festivities.
Safety Measures for the Festival
Chief Sean Santos outlined the Virgin Islands Police Department’s comprehensive safety plan to ensure a secure environment during the festival. New camera systems are being installed throughout the Festival Village in Frederiksted, and the department is collaborating with the Virgin Islands National Guard and other law enforcement agencies. Santos advised attendees to travel in groups, avoid congregating in parking lots, and designate a driver for safe travel to and from events. These measures aim to ensure a responsible and enjoyable Festival experience for all.
Income Tax Refunds Released
On behalf of Governor Bryan, Motta announced the disbursement of nearly $15 million in income tax refunds to 6,445 taxpayers who filed by April 25, 2023. This includes refunds for 5,916 taxpayers for the 2022 tax year. This initiative marks significant progress in addressing the longstanding backlog of tax payments. In 2024 alone, over $67 million in refunds have been distributed, highlighting the administration’s commitment to efficient financial processing. Motta commended the Bureau of Internal Revenue and the Department of Finance for their hard work in clearing the backlog.
New Electric Vehicles for Government Fleet
The Virgin Islands Energy Office (VIEO) introduced eight new electric Ford F-150 Lightning trucks, which were made possible through a grant from the Department of the Interior’s Energizing Insular Communities (EIC) program. These vehicles will be distributed to various government agencies, which are crucial in modernizing the government fleet and advancing sustainability by reducing carbon emissions.
Upcoming Events
Petronella Solar Farm Ribbon-Cutting:
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Estate Petronella Solar Farm is scheduled for Tuesday, December 17 at 3 PM. This event represents an essential milestone in Governor Bryan’s ongoing efforts to improve the territory’s power infrastructure. The ceremony will be broadcast live on the Government Access Channel and the Government House Facebook page.
Motta concluded the briefing by encouraging the public to engage in the upcoming events, emphasizing the administration’s commitment to community involvement and transparency in all initiatives.
The Bryan-Roach Administration remains dedicated to investing in the Virgin Islands’ people, infrastructure, and future. Their work is focused on stabilizing the economy, restoring trust in government, and ensuring that recovery projects are completed swiftly. For more information on transparency and progress, visit transparency.vi.gov.
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